Journalist reveals glowing recommendation from Van Dijk as Liverpool close in on ‘real gem’

Liverpool have agreed on a loan deal to sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona for the upcoming campaign.

Liverpool will have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. The 27-year-old is no longer a key player for Barcelona, and they are willing to send him out on loan so that he can play regularly. They will hope that he can secure a permanent exit next summer.

Meanwhile, journalist Diego Torres Romano has revealed that Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola sought advice from Virgil van Dijk regarding the Uruguayan international before making the move.

Romano has revealed that Van Dijk rates Araujo highly, and he believes that the Barcelona star is the best ball-playing central defender in the world.

Romano revealed on X: “Iraola asked Van Dijk for his opinion on Araujo. Van Dijk told him that for him, he was the best ball-playing centre-back in the world. And with pace, a real gem. Liverpool has the 3rd-best squad in the world and dreams of signing Araujo. FCB isn’t in the top-10 and considers him useless.”

It will be interesting to see if the 27-year-old defender can adapt to English football quickly and make an immediate impact at Liverpool.

They need defensive depth in the team, and the Uruguayan international could be a handy option for them. He is a versatile player who can operate as a central defender as well as a right back. His versatility will be an added bonus for the English club.

If you manage to impress with Liverpool in the Premier League next season, they might decide to make the move permanent.